She was the girl,
the self-conscious new student
who had her chair pulled out
from under her
in morning assembly.
She was the teen
they loved to humiliate
for being human,
had ugly words about her
scrawled inside her textbooks.
She was the young woman,
the doe-eyed bride who rushed in,
got in over her head. She wondered
where the vows of love went, or
what she did wrong.
She was the jaded, weary soul
bullied by family, by pain,
by life. Sometimes
it all comes back on her
in waves.
She dreams of being nowhere.
***
It’s that time of year, the long Labour Day weekend, the last chance for many of us to pay homage to fun, sun, and summer vacation. September is firmly in place and the majority of children will head back to their classrooms this week.
This is not meant to sound preachy or ranty. It is simply a plea. Whether you are a student, a teacher, a parent, a spouse, a co-worker, a community citizen, or a bystander-witness, please consider taking a conscious stand against all forms of bullying.
Why? Because whatever action you take – or don’t take, someone’s well-being, someone’s future, SOMEONE’S LIFE just might depend upon it.
*September is Suicide Prevention Month*
What are you doing to fight bullying?
We all know how cruel life can be Jennifer, my son being different can be a target. Im teaching him to be strong and stand up for himself but it does help if others stand with him. Love this raw and honest post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hugs to you and your son, Kath. ❤
LikeLike
Nice post.. keep it up
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bullies are horrible people and often they really don’t get why what they are doing and saying is so bad, and if the do get it they don’t give a rats ass about it they are as I said they are horrible people
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have known too many people who have had loved ones commit suicide. This post is well-taken, Jennifer. Thank you for the reminder.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The fact your poem stirs us to action and to defend the bullied – establishes it’s success.
Thanks. Reminded me of the post I did on the need for role models. Have a good day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
amazing… completely agree with you..
LikeLiked by 1 person
A beautiful and touching poem, Jennifer.
LikeLiked by 1 person